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Danny Miller’s cool Maverick Nitro Funny Car is ready to hit the first round of qualifying with Driver “Rapid Randy” Baker. The team made the trek all the way from Missouri for this Golden Anniversary March Meet.
Today’s photos by James Drew.
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Nitro Veteran Butch Blair readies his “Fugowie” AA/FD.
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Justin Grant pulled into the Famoso Raceway pits with his Don Schumacher “Stardust” Tribute Nitro Funny Car. Heading out to California from the Midwest at this time of the year, when the weather is so cold will help make this event even more special to the team and driver Joe Haas for the first round of nitro qualifying at 2:00PM Friday afternoon.
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Owner Bill Botelho had to find a new driver for his AA/FDragster after Mendy Fry took over the driving chores for Gary Messenger’s “Future Flash” Nitro Funny Car. Terry Cox will drive at the March Meet while the team searches for a permanent replacement.
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Mike Grekul will be piloting the beautiful “Plueger & Gyger” nitro funny car in it’s competition debut at the March Meet. Mike poses with his son Coleman in front of Steve Plueger’s Mach 1 Mustang.
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The “Circuit Breaker” AA/FD gets to the track from the shop in Placentia, CA in pieces.
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Here’s where the team stores the front clip.
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Ed Dugan didn’t have enough time to license at the test-n-tune before the 50th March Meet in Charlie O’Neill’s “Nitro Psycho” Plymouth Arrow so he’ll be making some exhibition passes during nitro funny car qualifying.
Ed is filling in for Larry Pettit, the first Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car driver in the 5-second zone, while he recouperates from some health issues.
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Jeff Galatro Sr. and son Jeff Jr. run this Hemi-powered dragster out of Newman, CA, waiting in the Famoso Raceway Technical Inspection Line.
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Two of drag racing’s greatest rivals, partners and friends – Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “the Mongoose” McEwen – have been named Grand Marshals for the March Meet at Auto Club Famoso Raceway.
It’s no surprise that the March Meet, nostalgia drag racing’s premier event – and celebrating its 50th year of racing – is honoring Prudhomme and McEwen. “Both are former March Meet winners and part our rich racing lore and drag racing history,” said Blake Bowser, vice president and general manager of the Kern County Racing Association, operators of Auto Club Famoso and producers of the March Meet. “It’s an unbelievable honor to have them here as Grand Marshals. What a treat for the fans.”
“The March Meet really means a lot to me,” said Prudhomme, who was named the No. 3 driver on the NHRA’s top 50 drivers list. “The 1962 Smokers March Meet was my first race driving a fuel car for Kent Fuller and Dave Zueschel. It was THE race to win back then and I still have my March Meet trophy, which is one of my most prized possessions. Winning that race really kick-started my driving career, so to go from an unknown racer back then to being named a Grand Marshal this year along with Tom McEwen is something that I never thought would happen. But then again, Grand Marshals are usually old, so I guess it makes sense!”
McEwen, listed at No. 16 on the NHRA’s driver’s list, added, “This is a big thrill for me. I grew up on the March Meet. It’s always been a big race and I can remember winning it back in ’72. I’m really looking forward to being there with Prudhomme. It’ll be a lot of fun.”
50th March Meet Event Schedule
FRI., MAR. 7 - Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials: 8 a.m. Nitro qualifying 2 p.m.
SAT., MAR. 8 - Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying, time trials and exhibition runs begin at 8 a.m. Nitro qualifying at 12:30 p.m. Eliminations at 3 p.m. Special presentation to the Smokers Car Club and ‘Cackle Salute’ at 3:30 p.m. Nitro qualifying at 4 p.m.
SUN., MAR. 9 - Gates open at 7 a.m. (Note: Daylight savings time in effect). Exhibition runs occur throughout the day beginning at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:45 a.m. Final Eliminations begin at 11 a.m. Winner’s Circle Awards at 5 p.m.